Ladders of Fun for Women 55+ for an Intentional Life
Why We Need Fun - A Preamble
It may be because we have had some precious sunshine in my neck of the woods. I am excited about the changing seasons and want to reconnect with people and get outdoors. Additionally, I am feeling frisky. This girl wants to have fun!
It has been a very long winter, and spring has slowly materialized. I have felt cooped up and sluggish. I want to break free, get out and be with people, see what is new in the stores, and look for ways to feel rejuvenated. I also want to travel and explore on the open road.
So, let’s examine the topic of fun for women 55+. Are we even wired to have fun? Are we ‘allowed’ to be silly? Can we break through our barriers, stretch ourselves out, and expand our ideas of having fun? Can we throw off our mantle of seriousness and let loose? Why should we even want to do that? These are questions that are important to think about.
Loops of Seriousness
I am a woman who wants to break free and giggle, joke, laugh, have fun, and act silly. But my past has me carrying a mantle of seriousness, so being straight-laced has been my ‘go-to.’
Somehow, I had the idea that I had to be that way. Whenever I showed a silly side, I was told in many different ways that I was weird. My looks, comments, and actions spoke volumes. I wasn’t allowed to have fun.
It happened again yesterday in my Senior exercise class. We were doing our exercises and chatting simultaneously, having fun and laughing. Some of us hadn’t seen each other for a while. We were also affected by the energy of a cool, sunny morning, and there was liveliness in the room.
There was also a lot to catch up on—a trip to Cuba, what there was to eat and experience, and comparisons to other trips. There were stories about caring for 92-year-old mothers. There were discussions about the music on the playlist and who the artist was. And lots of other stuff.
Social connection for Women 55+ is essential.
Near the end of class, the only man in the class decided to call me out and scold me because he couldn’t hear the instructor. I apologized, but he kept talking at me through two more attempts at apologizing - while the instructor gave her instructions.
Normally, that would have thrown me for a loop, but I will admit to feeling my ire for a bit.
But I have learned more and more about who I am and what I like. I also understand the value of connection and positive energy. So, I want everyone to refrain from raining on my parade.
I am grateful I found the courage to extricate myself from negativity. As a result, I have started to value myself and embrace a more intentional, purposeful, and joyful life. I am also creating stronger connections with other people.
Why Is Fun Like Climbing Up Ladders To My Truth?
In “The Importance of Fun: Why having “Fun” is just as important as “Productivity” from Creative Healing, it is written:
“… having fun has positive biological effects. Doing pleasurable activities releases dopamine, which leads to positivity and can counteract more uncomfortable feelings of hopelessness and stress.
… having fun allows us to connect and create bonds with others. Doing enjoyable activities makes us more pleasant to be around, and doing these activities with others can create lasting memories that will bring us happiness.”
Alison Bonds Shapiro, M.B.A. writes, “Having Fun - We Are Designed For It.”
“We are entitled to have fun simply because we are born human and are designed for it.”
What a down-to-earth, healthy idea to foster!
In her article on Psychology Today, Alison points out that advertisers and others set a precondition on our right to have fun - that we must earn it or pay for it. She goes on to write:
“My sensory system is designed to enjoy life. Enjoying life is one of the ways my body knows how to stay healthy and alive. Having fun relaxes us, gives us space to reflect, helps us learn, and shows us how to promote our well-being. I can have fun just as a child can have fun with whatever I've got and just as I am. I don't have to do or be anything else first.”
“If I deny my capacity to have fun, I deny my awareness of what my body needs to thrive.”
Thank you, Alison.
Check out this link for the opinions of people interviewed on how they keep their happiness levels up: Have fun in your 50s: it’s the key to living longer, science says.
What Can We Do To Have Fun?
Let’s make a list:
Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding
Walking, jogging, lifting weights and exercising
Dancing, yoga and Tai Chi
Pickleball
Biking, horseback riding and swimming
Learning a musical instrument or a new language
Taking up interior designing, candle making, calligraphy, jewellery-making, floral arranging, origami or scrapbooking
Becoming proficient at social media
Wine-tasting and cooking classes
Travelling on short, medium or long road trips
Watching movies
Going to festivals and country markets
Photography and bird-watching
Working with others to improve things in our community
Going to plays or concerts
Together, we could make a very long list. So please get in touch with me with your suggestions, and I will create a list on my website.
Why Do We Want To Have Fun?
Having fun changes our energy. It raises our vibration and improves our mood and outlook. It takes us to a better place, so we feel happy and more satisfied at the end of the day.
Having fun helps us express our creativity. As a result, we find it easier to problem-solve and discover solutions and mundane tasks are carried out with greater ease.
Our thoughts become sharper, and our emotions are more optimistic.
We feel more relaxed and sleep longer and deeper.
It helps us connect better with people and creates bonds that carry us through rough times. Fun is fundamental to making good memories that last.
It improves our looks and attractiveness as our face and body reflect the good-energy vibes. It makes others want to be around us.
Laughter strengthens our core muscles, helps ease pain, and improves our breathing. It also heals our bodies and reduces stress.
Finding connections with people and having fun has many benefits. Adding exercise and activity to the mix also benefits us.
Are you ready to increase your fun repertoire and raise your happiness barometer?
A Challenge For You:
List three activities you like to do that make you laugh, giggle, connect with people, or feel better about your world.
Make a clear plan to carry out all three activities by signing up for something, contacting someone, or supporting yourself with tools or equipment to carry these activities forward.
Write it in your agenda.
Please do it! Celebrate yourself! Could you share it with us?
You are amazing!
If you found this article helpful, please consider buying me a coffee. Your support will help me continue creating valuable content.